60S ribosomal protein L5 (RPL5)

The small ribosomal subunit (SSU) binds messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and translates the encoded message by selecting cognate aminoacyl- transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules. The large subunit (LSU) contains the ribosomal catalytic site termed the peptidyl transferase center (PTC), which catalyzes the formation of peptide bonds, thereby polymerizing the amino acids delivered by tRNAs to a polypeptide chain.

The nascent polypeptides leave the ribosome through a tunnel in the LSU and interact with protein factors that function in enzymatic processing, targeting, and the membrane insertion of nascent chains in the exit of the ribosomal tunnel. Included in the 5S RNP/5S ribonucleoprotein particle it is an essential part of the LSU, required for its creation and the maturation of rRNAs (PubMed:12962325, PubMed:19061985, PubMed:24120868, PubMed:23636399).